Support at Home Classification 3: $21,966 (2026)
Andre Smith
Co-founder & CEO
Key points
- Support at Home classification 3 is for older Australians with intermediate care needs
- Annual funding of approximately $21,965.70 ($5,491.43 per quarter)
- 10% care management deduction of $2,196.57 leaves roughly $19,769.13 for services per year
- Clinical services (nursing, allied health) are fully funded at 0% contribution
- Independence services attract contributions of 5% to 50% depending on income
- Everyday living services attract contributions of 17.5% to 80% depending on income
- Provides enough funding for support several times per week across multiple service types
- Reassessment is available if your needs increase or decrease
What is Support at Home classification 3?
Classification 3 is the third tier of Australia’s eight-level Support at Home program. It is designed for people with intermediate care needs who need support several times per week across more than one area of daily life.
At this level, you are still living independently, but you rely on regular help with personal care, housework, and getting out of the house. You might be managing a chronic condition, recovering from a hospital stay, or finding that your mobility and stamina no longer stretch to the tasks they once did.
Classification 3 is the top tier of the basic care group. For how it fits alongside classifications 1 and 2, see our guide to Support at Home levels 1-3. For the next group up, see Support at Home levels 4-6. For the tier just below, see Support at Home classification 2, and for a full overview of the entire program, see the Support at Home Program complete guide.
Funding breakdown
Classification 3 provides a set annual budget paid in quarterly instalments. The government deducts 10% for care management before the remaining amount goes toward your services.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Quarterly budget | $5,491.43 |
| Annual total | $21,965.70 |
| Care management deduction (10%) | $2,196.57 |
| Available for services (annual) | $19,769.13 |
These rates took effect on 1 November 2025 and are indexed each July. Source: Australian Government Department of Health
How quarterly budgets work
Your funding arrives in four instalments each year, released in July, October, January, and April. You do not receive the full annual amount up front.
If you do not use your entire quarterly allocation, unspent funds can roll over to the next quarter. The rollover cap is $1,000 or 10% of your quarterly budget, whichever is greater. For classification 3, 10% of the quarterly budget is about $549, so the $1,000 floor applies and you could carry over up to $1,000 per quarter. Amounts above the cap are returned to the government.
Care management deduction
The 10% care management deduction, $2,196.57 per year, covers your provider’s administrative costs, including care plan development, coordination of services, regular reviews, and My Aged Care reporting. Under the old HCP system, some providers charged over 40% in combined administration and care management fees. The fixed 10% cap under Support at Home is a real improvement for most participants.
Three service categories and what you pay
Under Support at Home, services fall into three categories. Each has different rules about what the government funds and what you contribute.
Clinical services (0% contribution)
Clinical services include nursing care, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, podiatry, dietetics, and other allied health. These are fully funded by the government with no participant contribution, regardless of your income or assets. From 1 October 2026, personal care (showering, dressing, grooming, non-clinical continence, eating, hygiene, and help self-administering medication) also moves into clinical supports and is fully government funded.
At classification 3, you might access regular podiatry, ongoing physiotherapy for mobility or balance, nursing visits for wound care or medication management, and occupational therapy to set up your home safely.
Independence services (5% to 50% contribution)
Independence services cover assistive technology, home modifications, and mobility support. Your contribution ranges from 5% to 50% depending on your financial circumstances. (Until 1 October 2026, personal care such as showering, dressing, and grooming sat in this category and attracted a contribution. From 1 October 2026, personal care moves into clinical supports and is fully government funded with no participant contribution.)
At this level, you might need help with showering or dressing most days, or require home modifications like grab rails, a ramp, or improved lighting throughout the home.
Everyday living services (17.5% to 80% contribution)
Everyday living services include domestic assistance, gardening, meal preparation, social support, and transport. These attract the highest contribution rates.
At classification 3, everyday living services will likely form a large part of your care plan. Regular cleaning, garden maintenance, transport to appointments and social activities, and meal preparation are all common uses.
Contribution rates by income group
Clinical care is 0% for everyone. For independence and everyday living, full pensioners sit at the bottom of each range and self-funded retirees without a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card at the top. Part-pensioners and Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders fall on a means-tested sliding scale between those bounds.
| Financial circumstance | Clinical services | Independence services | Everyday living services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full pension recipient | 0% | 5% | 17.5% |
| Part pension recipient | 0% | Up to 25% | Up to 50% |
| Self-funded retiree (with CSHC) | 0% | Up to 25% | Up to 50% |
| Self-funded retiree (no CSHC) | 0% | Up to 50% | Up to 80% |
Source: My Aged Care
What this means in practice
Consider a full pension recipient at classification 3 with $19,769 available for services. If they use $5,000 on clinical services (physio, podiatry, nursing, OT, and from 1 October 2026 personal care), they pay nothing. For $4,769 of independence services (grab rails, a ramp, assistive technology), they contribute 5%, which is about $238. For $10,000 of everyday living services (cleaning, transport, garden, meals), they contribute 17.5%, which is $1,750. Total annual contribution: approximately $1,988.
A self-funded retiree without a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card at the same classification would pay nothing for clinical services, up to 50% for independence services (about $2,385), and up to 80% for everyday living services ($8,000). Total annual contribution: up to approximately $10,385.
To work out your own figures based on your income group and service mix, you can estimate your Support at Home budget and contributions before you choose a provider.
Lifetime contribution cap
Your total contributions across all aged care services are capped at $135,318.69 (as of November 2025, subject to annual indexation). This protects people who receive care over many years.
What services are covered at classification 3
With approximately $19,769 available for services after care management, classification 3 provides enough funding for support several times per week across more than one service type.
Typical services include:
- Domestic assistance 3 to 4 hours per week (cleaning, laundry, tidying)
- Garden maintenance fortnightly or weekly
- Transport to medical appointments and social activities two to three times per week
- Personal care assistance most days of the week (help with showering, dressing, grooming)
- Meal preparation assistance several times per week
- Social support and companionship visits
- Regular allied health services (physiotherapy, podiatry, occupational therapy)
- Home modifications (grab rails, ramps, non-slip surfaces, improved lighting)
- Assistive equipment (shower chair, raised toilet seat, walking aids)
- Home maintenance (changing light bulbs, minor repairs)
At classification 3, you might receive around 7 to 11 hours of direct support per week, depending on the mix of services and provider pricing. Across aged care inquiries on Carevo, the most requested supports are personal care, domestic assistance and allied health, which lines up closely with the personal care and everyday living mix most classification 3 plans rely on. For current pricing benchmarks, see our guide to Support at Home prices in 2026.
Building an effective care plan at this level
Classification 3 gives you enough funding to address several needs at once. A well-structured care plan might look like this:
Monday: Personal care assistance in the morning, domestic help for 2 hours Tuesday: Personal care assistance, transport to physiotherapy Wednesday: Personal care assistance, shopping assistance Thursday: Personal care assistance, garden maintenance Friday: Personal care assistance, social support outing, meal preparation
The exact schedule depends on your assessed needs, your preferences, and your provider’s availability. Work with your provider to create a plan that covers the areas that matter most to you.
How many hours of care can you get?
Classification 3 provides $5,491.43 per quarter. After the 10% care management deduction, you have roughly $4,942 per quarter to spend on services. How far that goes depends on the types of services you use, your provider’s rates, and when you schedule visits.
Indicative hourly rates
| Service | Weekday Rate | Saturday | Sunday | Public Holiday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic assistance | ~$120/hr | ~$157/hr | ~$195/hr | ~$227/hr |
| Personal care | ~$120/hr | ~$157/hr | ~$195/hr | ~$227/hr |
| Registered nurse | ~$210/hr | ~$270/hr | ~$330/hr | ~$390/hr |
| Allied health (physio, OT) | ~$180/hr | ~$230/hr | ~$280/hr | ~$330/hr |
| Transport | ~$50-80/trip | Varies | Varies | Varies |
Rates are indicative and vary by provider and region. Clinical services have no participant contribution regardless of rate.
Worked example: Margaret, 79, part pensioner
Margaret needs help with showering most mornings, regular transport to medical appointments, and weekly domestic assistance.
Personal care (clinical support from 1 October 2026):
- 5 hours per week at $120/hr = $600 per week
- $600 x 13 weeks per quarter = $7,800
Personal care alone would more than absorb her quarterly budget, so Margaret and her provider scale it to fit alongside her other needs. A workable mix might be:
Personal care:
- 3 hours per week at $120/hr = $360 per week
- $360 x 13 weeks per quarter = $4,680, no contribution from 1 October 2026
Domestic assistance (everyday living service):
- 2 hours per fortnight at $120/hr = $240 per fortnight
- $240 x 6.5 fortnights per quarter = $1,560
Total quarterly service cost: about $6,240, so Margaret keeps personal care and domestic hours within her $4,942 quarterly service budget by trimming a little from each.
Margaret’s contribution as a part pensioner:
- Personal care: from 1 October 2026 this is a clinical support and is fully government funded, so Margaret pays $0 (until then it sat in independence services and attracted a contribution of up to 25%)
- Domestic assistance (everyday living, up to 50%): contribution applies only to the everyday living portion she uses
A part pensioner on the lower end of the scale might pay closer to 25% on everyday living rather than the full 50%. Margaret could also add a fortnightly podiatry appointment ($180, clinical, $0 contribution) without it affecting her budget for other services.
These figures are indicative. Your actual hours depend on your provider’s rates, the services you choose, and when you receive them. Weekend and public holiday rates reduce your available hours.
Tips for stretching your funding
- Schedule services on weekdays when rates are lowest
- Bundle tasks in one visit (for example, personal care and light meal prep in the same morning) to reduce travel and minimum charge costs
- Use clinical services freely since they are fully funded by the government
- Track spending quarterly and adjust your care plan if you are underspending or overspending
- Request a reassessment if your needs have increased and your current funding is not enough
Is classification 3 right for you?
Classification 3 is for people whose needs have moved beyond occasional help but who do not yet require the daily, multi-visit support of the higher classifications. You might recognise yourself in this profile if you:
- Need help with personal care most days, but not multiple times a day
- Manage a chronic condition that needs regular monitoring or nursing input
- Have reduced mobility or stamina that limits housework, cooking, and getting out
- Are recovering from a fall, illness, or hospital stay and need support to stay home safely
- Rely on transport to attend appointments and stay socially connected
- Have a carer who needs some regular respite
Eligibility requirements
- Aged 65 years or older (50 years or older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)
- An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a special category visa
- Not already receiving equivalent government-funded aged care services
- Assessed as having intermediate care needs
What the assessment looks at
The single assessment system evaluates your needs across multiple domains:
- Physical health: Mobility, balance, strength, chronic conditions, pain
- Cognitive function: Memory, decision-making, orientation
- Daily activities: Ability to manage personal care, housework, cooking, shopping
- Psychosocial needs: Social isolation, emotional wellbeing, carer stress
- Home environment: Safety hazards, accessibility, suitability
For classification 3, the assessor is looking for someone who needs regular support several times per week across more than one area, including personal care most days. If you only need help once or twice a week, classification 1 or 2 is more likely. If you need support multiple times a day, you may be assessed at classification 4 or above.
How to get assessed
- Contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or visit their website
- Complete the initial screening over the phone
- Have your assessment completed through the single assessment system (usually in your home, taking 1 to 2 hours)
- Receive your classification level and support plan
- Choose a provider and begin services
You do not need a GP referral, though your doctor can make a referral on your behalf. See our My Aged Care registration guide for step-by-step instructions.
How classification 3 compares with the old Home Care Packages
The Support at Home classifications do not map one to one onto the old Home Care Package levels. The official crosswalk groups classifications 1 to 3 around the former Home Care Package Levels 1 and 2 rather than matching a single classification to a single old level. For the full mapping, see our Support at Home levels 1-3 guide.
| Feature | Old Level 1 HCP | Old Level 2 HCP | Support at Home Classification 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual funding | $9,271 | $16,335 | $21,965.70 |
| Care management fees | Provider-set (12-45%) | Provider-set (12-45%) | Fixed 10% ($2,196.57) |
| Funding structure | Single flexible budget | Single flexible budget | Three service categories |
| Clinical contributions | Paid from package | Paid from package | $0 (fully funded) |
| Budget delivery | Monthly | Monthly | Quarterly |
| Waiting time | Months | 3-12+ months | Based on assessment priority |
Key differences
More funding than the old Level 2 HCP. At $21,965.70 per year, classification 3 sits above the old Level 2 HCP ($16,335). Because the care management fee is capped at 10% instead of the 20 to 35% many providers charged, more of the funding goes to actual services. Treat the comparison as a guide to the funding range, not an exact equivalence, because the official crosswalk groups classifications rather than matching them one to one.
Clinical services are now free. Under the old system, every nursing visit or physio session came out of your package budget. Under Support at Home, clinical services cost you nothing. If you need regular allied health, this change alone can free up significant budget for other services.
Less flexibility between service types. The old HCP let you redirect money across any approved service. The three-category model under Support at Home is more structured. While this protects clinical funding, it does limit your ability to shift budget between categories.
Faster access. The old packages had waiting times of 3 to 12 months or longer in many areas. The Support at Home system aims for faster access after assessment, though the system is still maturing in 2026.
What happens at reassessment
Your needs may change over time. Reassessment lets your classification move up or down to match your current situation.
Signs you may need a higher classification:
- You need help with personal care multiple times a day
- You require frequent nursing visits for complex or chronic conditions
- Your mobility has declined significantly
- You are at increased risk of falls or hospitalisation
- Your current funding cannot cover the services you need
- Your carer needs more respite support
Signs your needs may have eased:
- You have recovered from an illness, fall, or hospital stay
- You are consistently underspending your quarterly budget
- You no longer need some of the services in your plan
If you notice these changes, talk to your provider and contact My Aged Care to request a reassessment. For information about higher classifications, see our guides to Support at Home levels 4-6 and Support at Home levels 7-8. See our guide on how to request a plan review for the steps.
If you disagree with your assessment
If you believe your classification does not reflect your actual situation, you can request a reassessment. Contact the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) on 1800 700 600 for independent support and advice.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does Support at Home classification 3 provide?
Classification 3 provides approximately $21,965.70 per year, paid in quarterly instalments of $5,491.43. After the 10% care management deduction of $2,196.57, approximately $19,769.13 per year is available for direct services. These rates took effect on 1 November 2025 and are indexed each July.
What services can I get with Support at Home level 3?
Level 3 covers regular domestic assistance, personal care most days of the week, transport, social support, meal preparation, garden maintenance, and allied health services including physiotherapy, podiatry, and occupational therapy.
How does classification 3 compare to the old Home Care Packages?
The official crosswalk groups Support at Home classifications 1 to 3 around the former Home Care Package Levels 1 and 2 rather than matching them one to one. Classification 3 provides $21,965.70 with a fixed 10% care management fee, compared to the old system where providers could charge 12 to 45% in fees.
Do I pay anything for nursing under classification 3?
No. Nursing and all clinical services are fully funded by the government under the Support at Home program. You pay no contribution for clinical services regardless of your income or assets. From 1 October 2026, personal care also becomes fully government funded.
Find the right provider for classification 3
Choosing the right provider matters at every classification level. At classification 3, you want a provider with transparent pricing, the ability to deliver a mix of personal care, domestic, and clinical services, and good availability in your area. Even small differences in hourly rates add up over a year.
Carevo connects older Australians with vetted, registered aged care providers, with 2,619 providers in the directory to compare on pricing and availability. We help you compare provider pricing, understand your funding, and get started with services. Carevo does not deliver care or set fees; it connects you with the providers who do.
Call 1800 953 253 to find the right provider for your Support at Home classification through Carevo.
Learn more about the Support at Home Program or read our complete guide to the Support at Home Program. You can also estimate your budget and contributions before you choose a provider.
All Support at Home Classifications
| Classification | Annual Funding | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | $10,731 | Very low needs, occasional help |
| Level 2 | $16,034 | Low needs, regular weekly help |
| Level 3 | $21,966 | Intermediate, several visits per week |
| Level 4 | $29,696 | Moderate, daily assistance |
| Level 5 | $39,697 | Moderate-high, multiple daily services |
| Level 6 | $48,114 | High needs, complex care coordination |
| Level 7 | $58,148 | Very high, extensive daily support |
| Level 8 | $78,106 | Highest/complex, alternative to residential |
Related Support at Home Guides
Support at Home on Carevo right now
Updated 2026-06-27Most-requested Support at Home services
Based on 938 aged care and Support at Home inquiries made through Carevo. See the full Support at Home Demand Report.
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About the author
Back to Blog Co-founder & CEO
Andre is the co-founder and CEO of Carevo. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Marketing, and a Bachelor of Arts from UNSW Sydney, where his majors were International Relations, Politics, Information Systems, and Media and Communications, graduating in 2014, and went through the UNSW 10x Founders accelerator in 2023.
